Question

Why do you think some Athenians found the ideas of Socrates so disturbing?

Answer 1

Athenians found the ideas of Socrates disturbing due to his role as an intellectual innovator, his questioning of people in a similar manner to the Sophists, and his association with various individuals. These factors were seen as threats to the democratic ideal and social values of Athens.

Step-by-step explanation:

Socrates, an Athenian philosopher, was seen as a dangerous intellectual innovator who practiced the 'new science' and was suspected of atheistic tendencies. He also questioned people in a manner similar to the Sophists, embarrassing many poets, statesmen, and artisans of his day. Additionally, Socrates' indiscriminate associations and his questioning process were seen as threats to the democratic ideal and the social values of Athens.

Answer 2

This is of course somewhat of a subjective question, but in general most would agree that the reason they found these ideas so disturbing was because they shook their traditional belief system.